TransCanada's $825,000 Grant Strengthens Pipeline Safety Awareness for
Firefighters and Emergency Responders
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/13/13 -- TransCanada
(TSX:TRP) (NYSE:TRP) (TransCanada) and the International Association
of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have started a four-year partnership aimed at
improving pipeline safety awareness for firefighters and emergency
responders across the United States and Canada.
An $825,000 donation from TransCanada to the IAFC to fund the
partnership will be announced at the IAFC Fire-Rescue International
Conference and Expo at the Sheraton Chicago in Chicago today at 11:45
a.m.
"Safety is priority one for both TransCanada and the IAFC and so this
partnership will be a significant benefit to our employees, IAFC's
members and ultimately the communities we do business in," said Vern
Meier, TransCanada vice president - Pipeline Safety & Compliance.
"This partnership will result in further improvements to the
availability of high quality training and awareness materials for
pipelines targeting emergency responders and firefighters. In the
unlikely event of an incident, TransCanada employees and first
responders have clearly-defined roles to help protect the public and
the environment, and this partnership will enable us to have a
unified approach and a consistent response before, during and after
any incidents."
Some highlights of the partnership include:
-- Improving the availability of high quality online training programs for
energy and pipeline safety, encompassing incident prevention and
response
-- Development of toolkits to be used by first responders, which will
include fact sheets, talking points, safety guides and information on
prevention efforts
-- IAFC involvement in TransCanada's regional emergency response field
exercises for departments located near company assets
"Fire departments have many tools they use to keep their communities
safe, but among the most vital are training and the collaboration of
community stakeholders," said Chief Hank Clemmensen, IAFC president
and chairman of the board. "For 140 years, the IAFC has been a
champion of fire department training and education, making sure
responders stay out in front of the changes in the built environment
and local infrastructure. The IAFC is pleased to bring our expertise
in responder fuels training to this partnership with TransCanada to
develop high-quality educational programs, and build relationships
that support the safety of communities."
Announcement of TransCanada Partnership with IAFC
IAFC Fire-Rescue International Conference and Expo
Sheraton Chicago (301 East North Water Street) Missouri Room
August 13, 2013, 11:45 a.m.
Since 2008, TransCanada has contributed over $2,333,052 CAD to our
community partners and leaders whose mission is to grow and support
emergency response and preparedness. Through these partnerships we
have supported over 370 fire departments and organizations in 28 U.S.
states and five provinces. These communities are better prepared to
help improve community resilience against disasters in the area.
With more than 60 years' experience, TransCanada is a leader in the
responsible development and reliable operation of North American
energy infrastructure, including natural gas and oil pipelines, power
generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada operates a network
of natural gas pipelines that extends more than 68,500 kilometres
(42,500 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in
North America. TransCanada is one of the continent's largest
providers of gas storage and related services with more than
400-billion cubic feet of storage capacity. A growing independent
power producer, TransCanada owns or has interests in over 11,800
megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States.
TransCanada is developing one of North America's largest oil delivery
systems. TransCanada's common shares trade on the Toronto and New
York stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. For more information
visit: www.transcanada.com/ or check us out on Twitter @TransCanada
or http://blog.transcanada.com
The International Association of Fire Chiefs represents the
leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC
members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency
medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills,
natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation.
Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange
ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and
services available to first responders.
Contacts:
TransCanada
Media Enquiries:
Shawn Howard/Grady Semmens/Davis Sheremata
403.920.7859 or 800.608.7859
TransCanada
Investor & Analyst Enquiries:
David Moneta/Lee Evans
403.920.7911 or 800.361.6522
www.transcanada.com